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Vuorio A, Budowle B, Raal F, Kovanen PT. Statins for the prevention of cardiovascular events associated with avian influenza: the COVID-19 pandemic as a reference. Ann Med 2024; 56:2390166. [PMID: 39152892 PMCID: PMC11332304 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2390166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
There is growing concern that the severe respiratory disease in birds (avian influenza or 'bird flu') caused by the H5N1 influenza virus, might potentially spread more widely to humans and cause a pandemic. Here we discuss clinical issues related to human infections by the highly pathogenic H5N1 subtype of the avian influenza A virus and make a clinical comparison with recent information obtained from studies of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Firstly, we consider the potential increase in cardiovascular events in humans infected with the H5N1 virus. Like SARS-CoV-2 infection, H5N1 infection may result in endothelial dysfunction and the associated procoagulant and prothrombotic state, and via this mechanism, the infection can potentially increase cardiovascular morbidity, especially in vulnerable individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. Secondly, we discuss the potential beneficial role of statin use, both in the prophylaxis and the treatment of individuals with influenza A(H5N1), as was found favorable for the treatment of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpo Vuorio
- Mehiläinen, Airport Health Center, Vantaa, Finland
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Bruce Budowle
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Frederick Raal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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2
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Kovanen PT, Vuorio A. SARS-CoV-2 reinfection: Adding insult to dysfunctional endothelium in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. ATHEROSCLEROSIS PLUS 2023; 53:1-5. [PMID: 37293388 PMCID: PMC10238112 DOI: 10.1016/j.athplu.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In this short narrative review, we aim at defining the pathophysiological role endothelial dysfunction in the observed COVID-19-associated rise in risk of cardiovascular disease. Variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have caused several epidemic waves of COVID-19, and the emergence and rapid spread of new variants and subvariants are likely. Based on a large cohort study, the incidence rate of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection is about 0.66 per 10 000 person-weeks. Both the first infection and reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 increase cardiac event risk, particularly in vulnerable patients with cardiovascular risk factors and the accompanying systemic endothelial dysfunction. By worsening pre-existing endothelial dysfunction, both the first infection and reinfection with ensuing COVID-19 may turn the endothelium procoagulative and prothrombotic, and ultimately lead to local thrombus formation. When occurring in an epicardial coronary artery, the risk of an acute coronary syndrome increases, and when occurring in intramyocardial microvessels, scattered myocardial injuries will ensue, both predisposing the COVID-19 patients to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In conclusion, considering weakened protection against the cardiovascular risk-enhancing reinfections with emerging new subvariants of SARS-CoV-2, treatment of COVID-19 patients with statins during the illness and thereafter is recommended, partly because the statins tend to reduce endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alpo Vuorio
- Mehiläinen, Airport Health Center, Vantaa, Finland
- University of Helsinki, Department of Forensic Medicine, Helsinki, Finland
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3
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Sharma B, Nonzom S. Mucormycosis and Its Upsurge During COVID-19 Epidemic: An Updated Review. Curr Microbiol 2023; 80:322. [PMID: 37592083 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03430-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Although mucormycosis may have reached an epidemic situation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the term was much more familiar even before the COVID-19 period. The year 2020 showed an outbreak of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) which affected millions of people all over the world. One of the noticeable complications observed to be associated with this disease is mucormycosis. It is an opportunistic infection caused by members of the Order Mucorales existing worldwide and has been commonly reported as a laboratory contaminant for a long time. However, nowadays due to the changes in the host environment, they have been emerging as potent opportunistic pathogens responsible for causing primary infections or coinfections with other diseases eventually resulting in morbidity and even mortality in severe cases. Although immunocompromised patients are more susceptible to this infection, few cases have been reported in immunocompetent individuals. Various risk factors which are responsible for the acquisition of mucormycosis include diabetes mellitus type 2, ketoacidosis, hematological malignancies, organ transplants, and chemotherapy recipients. Among the various etiological agents, Rhizopus is found to be the most common, and rhino-cerebral to be the most frequent clinical presentation. As far as pathogenesis is concerned, host cell invasion, thrombosis, and necrosis are the main events in the progression of this disease. The aim of the present review is to address a complete spectrum of mucormycosis and COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) in a single article. Both global and Indian scenarios of mucormycosis are taken into account while framing this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharti Sharma
- Department of Botany, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 180006, India
| | - Skarma Nonzom
- Department of Botany, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 180006, India.
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Huang H, Leung KSK, Garg T, Mazzoleni A, Miteu GD, Zakariya F, Awuah WA, Yin ETS, Haroon F, Hussain Z, Aji N, Jaiswal V, Tse G. Barriers and shortcomings in access to cardiovascular management and prevention for familial hypercholesterolemia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clin Cardiol 2023; 46:831-844. [PMID: 37260143 PMCID: PMC10436799 DOI: 10.1002/clc.24059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a hereditary condition caused by mutations in the lipid pathway. The goal in managing FH is to reduce circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and, therefore, reduce the risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Because FH patients were considered high risk groups due to an increased susceptible for contracting COVID-19 infection, we hypothesized whether the effects of the pandemic hindered access to cardiovascular care. In this review, we conducted a literature search in databases Pubmed/Medline and ScienceDirect. We included a comprehensive analysis of findings from articles in English related and summarized the effects of the pandemic on cardiovascular care through direct and indirect effects. During the COVID-19 pandemic, FH patients presented with worse outcomes and prognosis, especially those that have suffered from early ASCVD. This caused avoidance in seeking care due to fear of transmission. The pandemic severely impacted consultations with lipidologists and cardiologists, causing a decline in lipid profile evaluations. Low socioeconomic communities and ethnic minorities were hit the hardest with job displacements and lacked healthcare coverage respectively, leading to treatment nonadherence. Lock-down restrictions promoted sedentary lifestyles and intake of fatty meals, but it is unclear whether these factors attenuated cardiovascular risk in FH. To prevent early atherogenesis in FH patients, universal screening programs, telemedicine, and lifestyle interventions are important recommendations that could improve outcomes in FH patients. However, the need to research in depth on the disproportionate impact within different subgroups should be the forefront of FH research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Huang
- Royal College of Surgeons in IrelandFaculty of Medicine and Health ScienceDublinIreland
| | - Keith S. K. Leung
- Aston University Medical School, Faculty of Health & Life SciencesAston UniversityBirminghamUK
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Cardiovascular Analytics GroupChina‐UK CollaborationHong KongChina
| | - Tulika Garg
- Government Medical College and Hospital ChandigarhChandigarhIndia
| | - Adele Mazzoleni
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and DentistryLondonUK
| | - Goshen D. Miteu
- School of Biosciences, BiotechnologyUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
- Department of BiochemistryCaleb University LagosLagosNigeria
| | - Farida Zakariya
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesAhmadu Bello UniversityZariaNigeria
| | | | | | | | - Zarish Hussain
- Royal College of Surgeons in IrelandMedical University of BahrainBusaiteenBahrain
| | - Narjiss Aji
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of RabatMohammed V UniversityRabatMorocco
| | - Vikash Jaiswal
- Department of Cardiology ResearchLarkin Community HospitalSouth MiamiFloridaUSA
| | - Gary Tse
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Cardiovascular Analytics GroupChina‐UK CollaborationHong KongChina
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic‐Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of CardiologySecond Hospital of Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjinChina
- Kent and Medway Medical SchoolCanterburyUK
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5
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Vuorio A, Raal F, Kovanen PT. Familial Hypercholesterolemia Patients with COVID-19-Effective Cholesterol-Lowering Therapy is Urgent both during and after Infection. Rev Cardiovasc Med 2022; 23:410. [PMID: 39076654 PMCID: PMC11270387 DOI: 10.31083/j.rcm2312410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) patients are the prime example of subjects who are at high risk for both acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and ischemic stroke during, and post, SARS-CoV-2 infection. HeFH per se, if left untreated, results in premature clinical atherosclerosis often presenting in the fourth or fifth decade of life. The other concern in HeFH is endothelial dysfunction which is already evident from early childhood. In untreated HeFH patients, the severe hypercholesterolemia causes endothelial dysfunction from an early age, and as a result thereof, atherosclerotic lesions develop prematurely, particularly in the coronary arteries, and result in further endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in these critical segments of the arterial tree. As the pre-existing endothelial dysfunction in HeFH patients is most likely sensitive to further direct and indirect SARS-CoV-2 virus-dependent damage, we can infer that HeFH serves as an example of a comorbidity that predicts a poorer prognosis with COVID-19 infection. Indeed, a large US national database study showed that patients diagnosed with HeFH and SARS-CoV-2 infection had significantly increased Annualized Incidence Density Rates (AIDRs) of AMI when compared to matched HeFH controls not having been diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Effective cholesterol lowering is essential for the prevention, or at least alleviation, of the detrimental effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HeFH patients. Due to the pre-existing subclinical or even clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in subjects with HeFH, cholesterol-lowering treatment needs to be continued or, better still, intensified during, and for an extended period post, SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpo Vuorio
- Mehiläinen Airport Health Centre, 01530 Vantaa, Finland
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Frederick Raal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa
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Vuorio A, Raal F, Kovanen PT. Monkeypox is a global public health emergency: The role of repurposing cholesterol lowering drugs not to be forgotten. J Clin Lipidol 2022; 16:757-758. [PMID: 36153280 PMCID: PMC9528222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Umakanthan S, Senthil S, John S, Madhavan MK, Das J, Patil S, Rameshwaram R, Cintham A, Subramaniam V, Yogi M, Bansal A, Achutham S, Shekar C, Murthy V, Selvaraj R. The Effect of Statins on Clinical Outcome Among Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19: A Multi-Centric Cohort Study. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:742273. [PMID: 35865966 PMCID: PMC9294274 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.742273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), thrombotic complications, and myocardial injury. Statins, prescribed for lipid reduction, have anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and immunomodulatory properties and are associated with reduced mortality rates in COVID-19 patients. Our goal was to investigate the beneficial effects of statins in hospitalized COVID-19 patients admitted to three multi-specialty hospitals in India from 1 June 2020, to 30 April 2021. This retrospective study included 1,626 patients, of which 524 (32.2%) were antecedent statin users among 768 patients (384 statin users, 384 non-statin users) identified with 1:1 propensity-score matching. We established a multivariable logistic regression model to identify the patients’ demographics and adjust the baseline clinical and laboratory characteristics and co-morbidities. Statin users showed a lower mean of white blood cell count (7.6 × 103/µL vs. 8.1 × 103/µL, p < 0.01), and C-reactive protein (100 mg/L vs. 120.7 mg/L, p < 0.001) compared to non-statin COVID-19 patients. The same positive results followed in lipid profiles for patients on statins. Cox proportional-hazards regression models evaluated the association between statin use and mortality rate. The primary endpoint involved mortality during the hospital stay. Statin use was associated with lower odds of mortality in the propensity-matched cohort (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33-0.64, p < 0.001). These results support the previous evidence of the beneficial effects of statins in reducing mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikanth Umakanthan
- Department of Para-clinical sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago
- *Correspondence: Srikanth Umakanthan,
| | - Sanjum Senthil
- Project Lead and Research Programmee Committee Member, International Research Association Unit, India
- Director and Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, RRN Multispeciality Hospital, India
| | - Stanley John
- Project Lead and Research Programmee Committee Member, International Research Association Unit, India
- Consultant Pulmonologist, Department of Medicine, Holy Cross Hospital, Nagercoil, India
| | - Mahesh K. Madhavan
- Consultant Pulmonologist, Department of Medicine, Holy Cross Hospital, Nagercoil, India
- National Regional Collaboration for Medical Research Foundation, India
| | - Jessica Das
- National Regional Collaboration for Medical Research Foundation, India
| | - Sonal Patil
- National Regional Collaboration for Medical Research Foundation, India
| | - Raghunath Rameshwaram
- National Regional Collaboration for Medical Research Foundation, India
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Piramal Research Centre, Gujarat, India
| | - Ananya Cintham
- National Regional Collaboration for Medical Research Foundation, India
- Medical Residents, Swaminathan Multispecialty Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Venkatesh Subramaniam
- National Regional Collaboration for Medical Research Foundation, India
- Medical Residents, Swaminathan Multispecialty Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Madhusudan Yogi
- National Regional Collaboration for Medical Research Foundation, India
- Medical Residents, Swaminathan Multispecialty Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Abhishek Bansal
- National Regional Collaboration for Medical Research Foundation, India
- Medical Residents, Swaminathan Multispecialty Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Sumesh Achutham
- National Regional Collaboration for Medical Research Foundation, India
- Medical Residents, Swaminathan Multispecialty Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Chandini Shekar
- National Regional Collaboration for Medical Research Foundation, India
- Medical Residents, Swaminathan Multispecialty Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Vijay Murthy
- National Regional Collaboration for Medical Research Foundation, India
- Medical Residents, Swaminathan Multispecialty Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Robbin Selvaraj
- National Regional Collaboration for Medical Research Foundation, India
- Medical Residents, Swaminathan Multispecialty Hospital, Chennai, India
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8
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Khanna AK, Khanna D. Venous Thromboembolism and COVID-19-an Epidemiological Perspective. Indian J Surg 2022; 85:133-140. [PMID: 35529246 PMCID: PMC9066142 DOI: 10.1007/s12262-022-03423-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was declared as pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. The outbreak has caused 5,232,562 deaths worldwide until December 3rd, 2021. Though primarily affecting the respiratory system, involvement of other organ systems have been reported in severe disease. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been recognized as an important complication. Previous studies have reported the prevalence of VTE in intensive care unit (ICU) patients between 7 and 85% and in non-ICU patients between 0 and 19%. COVID-19 patients that are at high risk for VTE are also at increased risk for bleeding. In such cases, anticoagulation may potentially be harmful. Thereby, it is important to understand the risk factors for VTE predisposition in the COVID-19 patients, timing of VTE, and the rate of occurrence of VTE in hospitalized patients post-discharge. Comparison of the rate of occurrence of VTE in COVID-19 patients with the non-COVID-19 patients with similar disease severity is required to truly interpret the reportedly high rates of VTE in COVID-19 patients. Several pathophysiological mechanisms have been reported for the development of VTE in COVID-19. Autopsy-based studies have contributed to the existing knowledge. d-dimer, presently, seems to be the most suitable investigation for risk-identification of VTE supported by Doppler studies and overall clinical context. Further, prospective studies and clinical trials are essentially required to fill the gaps in evidence for occurrence, risk prediction and management of VTE in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar Khanna
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Divya Khanna
- Department of Preventive Oncology, Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre, Tata Memorial Cancer Centre, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh India
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9
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Rasmi Y, Heidari N, Kübra Kırboğa K, Hatamkhani S, Tekin B, Alipour S, Naderi R, Farnamian Y, Akca I. The importance of neopterin in COVID-19: The prognostic value and relation with the disease severity. Clin Biochem 2022; 104:1-12. [PMID: 35307400 PMCID: PMC8929545 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 [COVID-19], caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2], has rapidly evolved into a global health emergency. Neopterin [NPT], produced by macrophages when stimulated with interferon [IFN-]gamma, is an essential cytokine in the antiviral immune response. NPT has been used as a marker for the early assessment of disease severity in different diseases. The leading cause of NPT production is the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-. Macrophage activation has also been revealed to be linked with disease severity in SARS-CoV-2 patients. We demonstrate the importance of NPT in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and suggest that targeting NPT in SARS-CoV-2 infection may be critical in the early prediction of disease progression and provision of timely management of infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Rasmi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran,Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Nadia Heidari
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Gorgan University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Shima Hatamkhani
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Burcu Tekin
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Biotechnology Department, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Shahryar Alipour
- Department of Biochemistry and Applied Cell, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Roya Naderi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Yeghaneh Farnamian
- Student research Center, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ilknur Akca
- Mersin University, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Mersin, Turkey
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10
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Kouhpeikar H, Khosaravizade Tabasi H, Khazir Z, Naghipour A, Mohammadi Moghadam H, Forouzanfar H, Abbasifard M, Kirichenko TV, Reiner Ž, Banach M, Sahebkar A. Statin Use in COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients and Outcomes: A Retrospective Study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:820260. [PMID: 35282379 PMCID: PMC8907562 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.820260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) might affect everyone, but people with comorbidities such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD) may often have more severe complications and worse outcomes. Although vaccinations are being performed worldwide, it will take a long time until the entire population of the world is vaccinated. On the other hand, we are witnessing the emergence of new variants of this virus. Therefore, effective therapeutic approaches still need to be considered. Statins are well-known lipid-lowering drugs, but they have also anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of statins on the survival of COVID-19 hospitalized patients. Methods This retrospective study was performed on 583 patients admitted to a highly referenced hospital in Tabas, Iran, between February 2020 and December 2020. One hundred sixty-two patients were treated with statins and 421 patients were not. Demographic information, clinical signs, and the results of laboratory, and comorbidities were extracted from patients' medical records and mortality and survival rates were assessed in these two groups. Results The results of the Cox crude regression model showed that statins reduced mortality in COVID-19 patients (HR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.97; p = 0.040), although this reduction was not significant in the adjusted model (HRs=0.51, 95%CI: 0.22, 1.17; p = 0.114). Using a composite outcome comprising intubation, ICU admission, and mortality, both crude (HR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.73; p = 0.002) and adjusted (HR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.99; p = 0.048) models suggested a significant protective effect of statin therapy. Conclusion Due to anti-inflammatory properties of statins, these drugs can be effective as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Kouhpeikar
- Department of Hematology and Blood Bank, Tabas School of Nursing, Birjand University of Medical Science, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Khazir
- Department of Nursing, Tabas School of Nursing, Birjand University of Medical Science, Birjand, Iran
| | - Armin Naghipour
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Hamadan-Iran Clinical Research Development Center, Imam Reza Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Hasan Forouzanfar
- Department of Nursing, Tabas School of Nursing, Birjand University of Medical Science, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mitra Abbasifard
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ali-Ibn Abi-Talib Hospital, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Tatiana V. Kirichenko
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology of Cardiovascular System, AP Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Željko Reiner
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Chair of Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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11
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Vuorio A, Lassila R, Kovanen PT. Hypercholesterolemia and COVID-19: Statins for Lowering the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:711923. [PMID: 34722654 PMCID: PMC8548371 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.711923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alpo Vuorio
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Mehiläinen Airport Health Centre, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Riitta Lassila
- Research Program Unit in Systems Oncology, Coagulation Disorders Unit, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petri T Kovanen
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki 1, Helsinki, Finland
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12
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Kovanen PT, Raal F, Vuorio A. Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia and COVID-19: Efficient and ongoing cholesterol lowering is paramount for the prevention of acute myocardial infarction. Am J Prev Cardiol 2021; 7:100224. [PMID: 34312613 PMCID: PMC8289723 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2021.100224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Petri T. Kovanen
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki 1, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Frederick Raal
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alpo Vuorio
- University of Helsinki and Mehiläinen Airport Health Centre, 01530 Vantaa, Finland
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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13
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Vuorio A, Strandberg TE, Raal F, Santos RD, Kovanen PT. Familial hypercholesterolemia and COVID-19: A menacing but treatable vasculopathic condition. ATHEROSCLEROSIS PLUS 2021; 43:3-6. [PMID: 34622243 PMCID: PMC8349422 DOI: 10.1016/j.athplu.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection continues to cause increased morbidity and mortality, and due to the slow pace of vaccination COVID-19 will probably remain a global burden to health systems for a long time. Unfortunately, the necessary prevention and treatment strategies of COVID-19 have led to restriction measures that are hampering the routine care of common chronic metabolic conditions like hypercholesterolemia. It is of particular concern that during the acute phase of COVID-19, the control of pre-existing metabolic diseases tends to get worse which again increases the risk for complications and a poor outcome in these patients. A significant contributor to these complications is endothelial dysfunction which is associated with COVID-19. This Commentary will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on endothelial function particularly in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a metabolic inherited disease known to in itself adversely affect endothelial function. There should be no hesitation to continue with statin therapy in severe hypercholesterolemic patients with COVID-19. We argue that in FH patients with COVID-19 the clinicians need even consider intensifying statin therapy as well as the addition of other lipid-lowering agents, such as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9) inhibitors. In contrast to statins, the PCSK9 inhibitors lower lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] level, and, accordingly, these latter drugs need to be considered particularly in FH patients with an elevated level of Lp(a). This call applies to the in-hospital stay and also beyond. When considering that the vasculopathic effects of COVID-19 may persist, a long-term follow-up of individualized therapies in FH patients is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpo Vuorio
- Mehiläinen, Airport Health Center, Vantaa, Finland,University of Helsinki, Department of Forensic Medicine, Helsinki, Finland,Corresponding author. University of Helsinki, Department of Forensic Medicine, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Timo E. Strandberg
- University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland,University of Oulu, Center for Life Course Health Research, Oulu, Finland
| | - Frederik Raal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Raul D. Santos
- Lipid Clinic Heart Institute (Incor), University of São Paulo, Medical School Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil,Academic Research Organization, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
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14
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Chatterjee S, Vardhan B, Singh DK, Maitra A, Ojha UK. Should statins be considered for the management of mucormycosis in COVID-19? Diabetes Metab Syndr 2021; 15:102162. [PMID: 34186353 PMCID: PMC8178941 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Subhankar Chatterjee
- Department of General Medicine, Patliputra Medical College & Hospital, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India.
| | - Bhagya Vardhan
- Patliputra Medical College & Hospital, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India.
| | | | - Abhishek Maitra
- Patliputra Medical College & Hospital, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India.
| | - Umesh Kumar Ojha
- Professor & Head,Department of General Medicine, Patliputra Medical College & Hospital, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India.
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15
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Vuorio A, Kaste M, Kovanen PT. Familial hypercholesterolemia and statins in the COVID-19 era: Mitigating the risk of ischemic stroke. eNeurologicalSci 2021; 23:100344. [PMID: 33937536 PMCID: PMC8078044 DOI: 10.1016/j.ensci.2021.100344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a continuing need for research about the underlying mechanisms behind ischemic strokes in COVID-19 patients. Pre-existing endothelial dysfunction, especially if it is accompanied by a viral infection of the endothelial cells may present an important mechanism behind the immunothrombotic/thromboembolic complications of the COVID-19 illness. Here we emphasize that pharmacotherapy with statins could partly counteract such pathophysiological scenarios. Accordingly, using familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) as a pertinent example of a lifelong endothelial dysfunction, we aim to make the clinicians and consulting neurologists aware of statins as a possible adjuvant therapy in the context of an increased risk of ischemic stroke in patients with COVID-19. Based on recent clinical evidence, there is a need to encourage clinicians and consulting neurologists to continue or initiate effective statin treatment to prevent an ischemic stroke, particularly when they encounter a hypercholesterolemic COVID-19 patient with FH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpo Vuorio
- University of Helsinki, Department of Forensic Medicine, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Mehiläinen Airport Health Centre, 01530 Vantaa, Finland
| | - Markku Kaste
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petri T. Kovanen
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki 1, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
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16
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Proto MC, Fiore D, Piscopo C, Pagano C, Galgani M, Bruzzaniti S, Laezza C, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M. Lipid homeostasis and mevalonate pathway in COVID-19: Basic concepts and potential therapeutic targets. Prog Lipid Res 2021; 82:101099. [PMID: 33915202 PMCID: PMC8074527 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2021.101099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite encouraging progresses achieved in the management of viral diseases, efficient strategies to counteract infections are still required. The current global challenge highlighted the need to develop a rapid and cost-effective strategy to counteract the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Lipid metabolism plays a crucial role in viral infections. Viruses can use the host lipid machinery to support their life cycle and to impair the host immune response. The altered expression of mevalonate pathway-related genes, induced by several viruses, assures survival and spread in host tissue. In some infections, statins, HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors, reduce cholesterol in the plasma membrane of permissive cells resulting in lower viral titers and failure to internalize the virus. Statins can also counteract viral infections through their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic effects. Beyond statins, interfering with the mevalonate pathway could have an adjuvant effect in therapies aimed at mitigating endothelial dysfunction and deregulated inflammation in viral infection. In this review we depicted the historical and current evidence highlighting how lipid homeostasis and mevalonate pathway targeting represents a valid approach to rapidly neutralize viruses, focusing our attention to their potential use as effective targets to hinder SARS-CoV-2 morbidity and mortality. Pros and cons of statins and Mevalonate-pathway inhibitors have been also dissected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Proto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Chiara Piscopo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Cristina Pagano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Galgani
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy; Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, IEOS CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Bruzzaniti
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, IEOS CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Laezza
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, IEOS CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy.
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
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17
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Sathekge M, Byttebier G, De Spiegeleer B, Saxberg B, Ueckermann V, Belmans L, Alexander M, Fedson D. Adjunctive Use of Statins for COVID-19. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10071407. [PMID: 33915784 PMCID: PMC8037201 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10071407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mike Sathekge
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria & Steve Biko Academic Hospital, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa
- Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI), University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-12-354-1794
| | | | - Bart De Spiegeleer
- Drug Quality and Registration Group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Bo Saxberg
- DDO Strategic Services, Tucson, AZ 85737-8488, USA;
| | - Veronica Ueckermann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pretoria & Steve Biko Academic Hospital, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa;
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18
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Vuorio A, Raal F, Kaste M, Kovanen PT. Familial hypercholesterolaemia and COVID-19: A two-hit scenario for endothelial dysfunction amenable to treatment. Atherosclerosis 2021; 320:53-60. [PMID: 33540179 PMCID: PMC7830285 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) are likely at increased risk for COVID-19 complications in the acute phase of the infection, and for a long time thereafter. Because in FH patients the level of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is elevated from birth and it correlates with the degree of systemic endothelial dysfunction, both heterozygous FH (HeFH) patients and, in particular, homozygous FH (HoFH) patients have a dysfunctional endothelium prone to further damage by the direct viral attack and the hyper-inflammatory reaction typical of severe COVID-19. Evidence to date shows the benefit of statin use in patients with COVID-19. In FH patients, the focus should therefore be on the effective lowering of LDL-C levels, the root cause of the expected excess vulnerability to COVID-19 infection in these patients. Moreover, the ongoing use of statins and other lipid-lowering therapies should be encouraged during the COVID pandemic to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular complications from COVID-19. For the reduction of the excess risk in FH patients with COVID-19, we advocate stringent adherence to the guideline determined LDL-C levels for FH patients, or maybe even to lower levels. Unfortunately, epidemiologic data are lacking on the severity of COVID-19 infections, as well as the number of acute cardiac events that have occurred in FH subjects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such data need to be urgently gathered to learn how much the risk for, and the severity of COVID-19 in FH are increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpo Vuorio
- Mehiläinen Airport Health Centre, 01530, Vantaa, Finland; University of Helsinki, Department of Forensic Medicine, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Frederick Raal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Markku Kaste
- Department of Neurosciences, Neurology, University of Helsinki, Department of Neurology, Neurocenter, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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